Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Des Moines, IA
It is a 117 mi drive, roughly 2h 25m, between Cedar Rapids, IA and Des Moines, IA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
117 mi Β· 2h 25m by car Β· IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 30, US 65, IA 330 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Cedar Rapids and Des Moines sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Des Moines ($208,166) sits close to Cedar Rapids ($204,112) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.3Β°F vs 50.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.36 |
Households in Des Moines earn about 3.1% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Des Moines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Des Moines averages 36.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June β identify a safe room or interior space early.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Des Moines more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 3.1% higher than Cedar Rapids (91.701 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 117 mi and the route typically takes 2h 25m via US 30 and US 65. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 5.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 117 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 2.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Des Moines, IA.